 For all virtual programs please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program. All virtual programs are open to all ages; however, most are best suited for those 12 years of age and older.
Date: Tuesday, March 14, 2023 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
If you want to see more bees and butterflies in your garden, we have some recommendations for you! Donna Aufdenberg, Field Specialist in Horticulture from the University of Missouri Extension, will discuss the benefits of native plants for our native pollinators. Learn which plants will draw in the most pollinators and the basics of starting your own pollinator garden.
Date: Wednesday, March 15, 2023 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Being a good steward of the land means working to conserve your property’s natural resources and features. Join Nature Center Volunteer Paul Breitenstein as he describes his journey to becoming a better steward. Paul will discuss changes he made to his property to remove invasive species, increase native plant diversity, and increase habitat for wildlife.
Date: Thursday, March 16, 2023 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Did you know many native plants can be planted and harvested alongside modern agriculture? Hannah Hemmelgarn, MS, Assistant Program Director at the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry, will share about some of the native perennial specialty crops that have been (or are) part of improvement programs and cultivar trials. These include elderberry, black walnut, pecan, pawpaw, and others. Hannah will discuss the concept of "nativars", the long history of tree and shrub domestication, and how these plants can be effectively integrated into agroforestry practices on-farm or in the garden.
Date: Friday, March 17, 2023 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Did you know that the majority of caterpillar species rely on a small number of keystone species plants to survive? These keystone native species are vital to caterpillar survival, but it doesn’t stop there. Learn how you can help caterpillars grow into butterflies and beyond through providing a sanctuary among the trees. Paula Diaz, a venerated native plant landscaper and long-time volunteer of DeepRootsKC, the GrowNative! program, and the Missouri Prairie Foundation, will discuss the importance of landscaping with keystone native species and what it means to provide “soft landings” for pollinators.
Date: Friday, March 17, 2023 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
The shamrock is a symbol of the greenest holiday of the year, but what exactly is a shamrock? A four-leaf clover? Not so fast. Learn all about the shamrock and where you might expect to find some of your own right here in Missouri. So, follow us to the end of the rainbow and learn something new about Missouri’s native plants.
Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Native plants are the foundation of a healthy habitat and are essential for wildlife. Vendors, Missouri Wildflowers Nursery and Forrest Keeling Nursery, who specialize in native trees, shrubs, vines, and flowers, will be on-site with their products. Vendors, staff, and volunteers will be available to advise you on your purchases. Pre-orders are available with pickup scheduled for March 18.
Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Native Plant Seminar isn’t just for adults! Bring the whole family in to the craft corner to create your own style of plant inspired art. We’ll provide craft supplies, natural materials, and a few examples to get you started, the rest is up to you! This program is open to all ages and does not require registration. This program is in connection with the Native Plant Seminar but may be attended for as a stand-alone program. Look for virtual native plant programs March 14-17, then visit us at the nature center on March 18 for guest speakers, a tree ID hike, a craft corner, and native plant vendors. Missouri Wildflowers Nursery and Forrest Keeling will be on site from 9 am – 1 pm with a variety of native plants, trees, and shrubs available for purchase.
Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Join Bill Eddleman, retired Wildlife Biologist and Ornithologist, to learn how native plantings can encourage wildlife in your area. We know native plants are ideal for native wildlife, big and small, but did you know small changes can make a big difference in your backyard? Bill will discuss the basics of wildlife management as applied to home landscapes and native plant gardens. He will also talk about some landscape bed designs, and plant selections, and how to establish native plants at your own home. This program is open to all ages; however, it is best suited for those 12 years of age and older. To reserve your seat, please register for this program. Walk-ins will also be welcome the day of, subject to seating availability.
Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join Chris Benda, the Illinois Botanizer, to learn about the exciting world of wild orchids. Did you know Missouri is home to over 37 species of orchids? Many of these species are very rare. This program will discuss the natural history of orchids and present photos of all the species native to Missouri. This program is open to all ages; however, it is best suited for those 12 years of age and older. To reserve your seat, please register for this program. Walk-ins will also be welcome the day of, subject to seating availability.
Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Most of us can tell a maple from an oak by looking at the leaves, but what about during winter? Looking at bark, buds, twigs, and other clues will help you be the detective and solve the puzzle. Identifying trees in winter can help you plan for spring and carryout forest management in cooler temperatures. This program will be outdoor and will cover about ½ mile of easy to moderate trail. You may wish to bring a notebook and bottle of water.
Spring is the perfect time to see some cute new critters! There are lots of new babies hiding in nature. Let’s learn who’s new and what we should do if we find wild babies. Little Acorns programs are designed to help children ages 3-6 learn about the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.
Date: Saturday, March 4, 2023 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Be right on target! Try your hand at archery and experience a fun way to enjoy the outdoors. All archery equipment will be provided. Adult supervision is required for ages 9-17. This program will take place entirely outdoors so please dress for the weather. In the event of high winds or rain, this program will be cancelled.
Date: Thursday, March 9, 2023 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Discover the importance of Missouri reptiles and amphibians and see what it takes to keep our education animals happy and healthy. Bring your family and watch as we introduce and feed several different reptiles and amphibians.
Date: Saturday, March 11, 2023 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Don't wait to catch a leprechaun on St. Patrick's Day; come find your treasure at the nature center! Although we can't guarantee gold, you will learn the necessary skills to properly use a map and compass as you hunt for treasure outdoors. Please dress for the weather, a portion of this program will take place outdoors.
Learn the essentials of fishing! We will cover what type of equipment is needed, how to tie and bait your hook, how to cast, and let you get a chance to try your hand at fishing. Please dress for the weather, a portion of this program will be outdoors.
Date: Saturday, March 25, 2023 9:30 am - 10:00 am
Cubs, kittens, and ducklings, too. Spring is the season to discover who’s new! There are many wild animal babies born in the spring. Learn about these young, their parents, and why it’s important to let them stay wild. Babes in the Woods programs are designed to empower parents to introduce babies and toddlers ages 0-2 years to the sights, sounds, and textures of nature.
Date: Thursday, March 2, 2023 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Missouri’s original settlers were very independent and self-sufficient. If they needed an item for their home they usually found a way to make it using materials provided by nature. Kitchen items were no exception. With this in mind, join the Southeast Conservation Educators and learn how to make a spoon using a Missouri hardwood. This program is designed for ages 18 and up.
Date: Friday, March 3, 2023 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Spring is in the air and that means morels! The end of March sees the first flush of this famous forage, are you ready to make the most of the season? Join us to learn all about how to identify morels safely, where to find them, and laws and rules involving harvesting wild fungi. This is an indoor program and does not include outdoor foraging. This is part of our “Nature Center at Night” series; the nature center will be open late from 5:00 to 7:30pm this evening.
Date: Thursday, March 9, 2023 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Come join the boardgame club for nature lovers! This monthly program will begin with a short program highlighting a different nature-themed board game, and how it relates to Missouri’s mission to have world class fish, forests, and wildlife. After the intro…let the games begin! There will be games available for all experience levels, though on average these games have a higher complexity level than family board game players may be used to, these games are most appropriate for ages 12 and up. You are welcome to bring any snacks and non-alcoholic beverages you wish, as well as nature-themed board games to share from your collection.
Date: Saturday, March 11, 2023 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Pick up the kids, meet the deadline, pay the bills…stress and worry unfortunately make up a large part of our modern lives. What if there was a simple solution? Join us for a hike of a different type. On this hike the objective is simple: use the calming power of water to leave some of the worry behind. This program will meet at the Cape Nature Center and travel to Amidon Memorial Conservation Area. The hiking portion is about ¾ of a mile over moderate to rugged terrain. Once we reach the Castor River shut-ins we will experience a “silent sit.” We will each choose a spot to sit and spend the time doing whatever we wish, silently. You may journal, draw, think, meditate, listen, birdwatch, or connect. By taking the time to experience this beautiful place you may discover new ways to improve your overall health and wellbeing. A welcome email with short packing list will be sent the week of the event.
Please ensure your MDC account includes an accurate email address so that you can receive a link to the virtual program.
Date: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Spring is in the air and that means morels! The end of March sees the first flush of this famous forage, are you ready to make the most of the season? Join us to learn all about how to identify morels safely, where to find them, and laws and rules involving harvesting wild fungi.
Date: Tuesday, March 28, 2023 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
This month we will highlight a jewel of Missouri’s swamps, the wood duck. The males of this species don stunning feathers all in the hopes of attracting a mate. We will dabble into the lives of these beautiful ducks as we learn where they live and how they grow up.
Date: Friday, April 28, 2023 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Join Dr. Mike Taylor from Southeast Missouri State University as he talks about a day birding filled with songs and calls. You might be comforted by the familiar “purdy purdy purdy” song of the Northern Cardinal. You might be challenged by the rapid trills of the Chipping Sparrow, Pine Warbler, and Dark-eyed Junco. You might throw your hands up in despair at the endless variety of “tinks” and “chips” coming from the thick brush. Like any birding skill, you can learn to identify bird sounds through practice. You can also record sounds to help you identify and document unknown birds or birds you could hear but could not see. This talk will highlight some tools and techniques you can use to record and visualize bird sounds. To get started, all you need is a smart phone or small hand-held recorder. This program is part of the MO Birding Society Spring Meeting, for additional information please visit: https://mobirds.org/
Date: Saturday, April 29, 2023 7:00 am - 8:30 am
A practical, hands-on follow up to Dr. Mike Taylor's presentation, Birding by Ear. Hike with a mic through the woods to record bird songs and calls. You will need to bring a smartphone; a small number of hand-held recorders will be available for use. You’ll have the opportunity to try out different recorders as well as shotgun and parabolic microphones. This program is part of the MO Birding Society Spring Meeting, for additional information please visit: https://mobirds.org/
SAVE THE DATE!
Froggy Friday
Friday, April 14, 2023
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